A visit by American singer Paul Robeson to Tyneside more than half a century ago inspired a pensioner to start out on a musical career.

The Chronicle reported earlier this month how Robeson was under the watchful eye of the security services during his stay as he was suspected of being a communist.

Piano teacher Irene Keast spotted the article and remembered how she met the performer after seeing him at Newcastle City Hall.

She was only 20 when her music-loving parents Edith and Harry Simpson bought tickets to see Robeson in 1949.

Famed for his trademark song Ol' Man River, the star signed autographs for a handful of fans after the concert and Irene was among the chosen few.

Today, Irene, a widow of Carew Court, Cramlington, has a treasured memento of that night - the concert programme signed by Robeson and his pianist.

Irene, who was learning to play the piano at the time, said: "My friends said I was mad and it was too old fashioned. It turned out to be one of the highlights of my life. The place was packed and he was wonderful. His voice filled the City Hall.

"Afterwards my dad pushed me towards the stage door to get his autograph. They only allowed a few in and I was one of them. He autographed my programme and so did his pianist Lionel Bowman.

"I've kept it for years and like to look at it. He was unique and that concert was one of the things that influenced me to become a piano teacher."

Irene went on to teach hundreds of children around the region.

During Robeson's 18-venue tour of Britain between February and April of 1949 his activities were logged at the request of the US Embassy as he was suspected of being a communist.

The singer also performed at St John's Church, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead.

After the Chronicle reported documents released at the National Archive show Robeson was at the centre of a secret service operation, memories came flooding back for readers.

George Campbell, 72, from Annfield Plain, was 16 when he accompanied his aunt to the church concert. He said: "I was interested in opera from a young age and that is why my aunt took me.

"The church was packed to capacity and they were standing in the aisles. There was a tremendous atmosphere."

Doreen Marshall, 22 at the time, went with her mother Isabella.

Mrs Marshall, now 77, of Low Fell, Gateshead, said: "The atmosphere was very good and the church was packed. We thoroughly enjoyed it."

John Mason, 69, from Gosforth, Newcastle, was a youngster working at the Station Hotel, Newcastle, where the star stayed.

"He was probably one of the biggest men I have ever seen in my life - he was gigantic," said Mr Mason, who over the years served a galaxy of stars.

"I first bumped into Robeson in the lift. We were the only people in it. He was overpowering, I just looked at him and he smiled. He was staying in a private suite and I set the table for his dinner and his breakfast. He was a very quite, reserved man, a gentleman."